TAMPA — Javier Vazquez was dominant last night, as the Yankees’ newly acquired right-hander continued to dominate this spring.
Vazquez worked six-plus innings in the Yankees’ 3-1 victory over the Nationals at George M. Steinbrenner Field, surrendering one run on four hits while walking nobody and striking out six. Vazquez faced one man in the seventh before being lifted at 77 pitches, 55 for strikes.
“I felt good out there,” said Vazquez, who is 2-0 with a 3.21 ERA in the Grapefruit League. “It was good to get my pitch count up.”
Manager Joe Girardi said he was “very happy” with Vazquez, who surrendered just one hit in the first four innings. He will make his next start Monday against the Orioles.
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Backup catcher Francisco Cervelli played in the infield last night. Cervelli played two innings at third base, because the Yankees want him to be acclimated there in case of an emergency. He handled a sharp grounder with no problem.
“With the one utility infielder in a sense, Cervi has played the infield and takes ground balls every day,” Girardi said. “Might come a situation where I might need him. It just gives you a little bit more versatility.”
Cervelli said he played third once or twice in the minors, though according to baseballreference.com, the only position he ever played besides catcher was the outfield for one game during 2005 rookie ball.
Either way, Cervelli said he was prepared.
“I like catching ground balls all the time,” he said.
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Though it appears that Phil Hughes will be named the fifth starter, Girardi wouldn’t announce any final decision.
“We’re just not quite ready to announce it,” Girardi said.
He also declined to confirm the Post’s report that Curtis Granderson will be the Yankees’ center fielder to begin the season, saying that decision would follow the fifth starter’s one.
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The Yankees went with their probable Opening Day lineup last night, with Nick Johnson batting second, Robinson Cano fifth and Granderson seventh. . . . Five more players were cut: Greg Golson, Kevin Russo, Mark Melancon, Juan Miranda and Jonathan Albaladejo, trimming the roster to 34. . . . CC Sabathia will pitch in a minor league game today. . . . Girardi on Dwight Gooden‘s arrest: “Your heart goes out to him. You hope everything’s OK.”